The reasons why a child should learn a foreign language, and particularly, which foreign language study should begin in elementary school, are discussed. The kinds of programs generally available in elementary schools are described. Sources of information and assistance for parents who want to start language programs in their schools are given.…

Examines several of the key decisions to be made when designing a program model for an elementary school foreign language program and relates them to the three most common forms of elementary school programs: FLES, FLEX, and immersion, and to the resources that may be available to a local community. (SED)

This article reports the results of a survey conducted in 1992-93 of foreign language programs and issues in middle schools. Members of professional organizations representing state and local foreign language supervisors were surveyed to ascertain the nature and extent of exploratory and sequential course offerings, as well as supervisors views on…

Gives history and impact of magnet schools on second-language learning. Language magnets serve as an effective means for drawing parents and their children to new schools. These schools have contributed to the expansion of language learning opportunities and have affected the quality of language teaching and learning in the United States. (36…

Native speakers of English entering kindergarten or grade one of the Cincinnati Public Schools are offered the opportunity to learn French, German, or Spanish. Not only do students learn a second language, but it is also used as a medium of instruction in later grades. (Author/SW)